Judges Express Concerns Over Rising Threats Amid Criticism of Judiciary
Federal judges gathered on Thursday in an unusual forum to address the increasing threats directed at members of the judiciary. This event provided a platform for judges to share their experiences and discuss the implications of public criticisms, echoing recent remarks by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Roberts has condemned personal criticism of judges, highlighting the potential dangers of such actions.
Although none of the judges directly mentioned President Donald Trump or his administration, the context of the discussion was clear. Trump and his team have been vocal critics of judges whose rulings have not favored their positions. U.S. District Judge Mark Norris of Tennessee, appointed by Trump, shared a personal experience involving unsolicited pizza deliveries to his home, a disturbing trend among judges following the tragic killing of a federal judge’s son in New Jersey.
This meeting was organized by Speak up for Justice, a nonpartisan entity advocating for an independent judiciary. It marks the second such gathering, reflecting a growing willingness among judges to speak about personal threats, a topic traditionally reserved for courtroom discussions and legal writings. The U.S. Marshals Service has noted a significant increase in threats, reporting 564 instances in the last fiscal year, up from the previous year.
Judge Norris, along with other panelists, addressed the misconception that judicial decisions are influenced by the political affiliations of the appointing presidents. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, serving in Washington, emphasized the competence of her fellow judges appointed by Trump, stating, “I sit with four other judges who were appointed by President Trump, and they are phenomenal judges,” while acknowledging that they may not always agree on rulings.
Judge Reyes has personally faced threats, as demonstrated during a court hearing last month when she read out death threats received following her decision to block the Trump administration’s attempt to end temporary protections for Haitian immigrants. She revisited these threats during the Thursday forum.
Similarly, U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee shared threatening messages aimed at her, revealing that one such threat warranted an indictment. She stressed the importance of collective action, saying, “I think everybody needs to speak up. It’s not just the judges who need to speak up.”
Roberts’ comments came shortly after Trump labeled a federal judge who ruled against his administration as “wacky, nasty, crooked and totally out of control.” While Roberts did not direct his comments at Trump specifically, the timing underscored the relevance of the issue. U.S. District Judge Michelle Williams Court credited Roberts with facilitating a dialogue on these threats, recounting a past incident where her children were targeted, prompting her to alert their school. She also noted an increase in “veiled threats” in legal filings.
